“You’re kinda disrespecting me,” this is what Harrison Smith had to say about Aaron Rodgers. On the field, Smith has spent years chasing Rodgers. And it’s safe to say that they have had their fair share of ‘Oh, come on!’ moments. And now, years later, Smith is finally revealing more of their dynamics, letting the world in on some of their funniest moments shared together.
On the Up And Adams Show, Kay Adams asked Smith the perfect question, reminding him of all the times he’s made life miserable for Rodgers. And in his own style, Harrison Smith kept it real. “I don’t know about it. He got us plenty of times.” But he also admitted that despite their on-field rivalry, he has nothing but respect for Rodgers. “He’s always, like, my favorite quarterback to watch and also my least favorite quarterback because he’s very tough to defend.”
Harrison Smith’s “favorite QB to watch”…
Aaron Rodgers
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) March 25, 2025
But that ONE hilarious moment between Smith and Rodgers? It was from the COVID-era game. Imagine Smith lining up to disguise his move, but Rodgers just looks at him, takes his hands out from under center, and mutters, “F___.” And to that, Smith reacted, “I was like, dude, come on. Like, that’s you’re kinda disrespecting me with that one. But it was, that was funny.” Basically, Rodgers is the artist, and the Vikings’ defense has been his canvas—sometimes with happy little accidents, sometimes with absolute masterpieces.
But let’s not forget why Smith is such an important player for the Vikings. The veteran safety has his stats to prove that – with 34 career interceptions, over 1,000 tackles, and six Pro Bowl selections, he has been a game-changer for the Vikings for over a decade now. And the Vikings reciprocated that by restructuring his contract in 2023 for $10 million.
Smith can read the moves of the QBs like a book, but still, the Vikings have had some brutal heartbreaks against Aaron Rodgers. Remember 2009, when he threw for 396 yards and four touchdowns in that overtime thriller? Or 2016, when he torched Minnesota with a 347-yard, four-touchdown clinic? Even in 2021, he pulled off a classic Rodgers moment—throwing a game-winning 23-yard strike to Davante Adams with just seconds left. The guy has a habit of making defenses question reality.
And as we are talking about the QB battles, the Vikings’ QB situation is also heating up.
Vikings QB Drama: JJ McCarthy spills the unexpected truth!
So, what’s going on with the Vikings under center? JJ McCarthy, a Rookie QB, is preparing to become a starter but has yet to receive the official yes. “And I’m happy they didn’t, because I try to earn it every single day. And I never want that to be given to me,” McCarthy said to FanDuel TV. Meaning? I am putting in the work, so I don’t want any handouts. Respect.
Last season, McCarthy was supposed to compete with Sam Darnold for the starting position, but he was sidelined due to a knee injury. Now that Darnold is making $100 million elsewhere, it looks like the Vikings only have one option: JJ McCarthy. But with Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson still available in free agency, nothing can be guaranteed.
After a strong 14-3 season, Minnesota lost to the Rams in the NFC North title game and was eliminated early in the playoffs. Not the happy ending they hoped for. However, now the Vikings fans have a new QB and a new narrative to focus on. A fresh start, maybe.
There you have it. JJ McCarthy is keeping us on our toes, guessing who is going to lead the Vikings. While Harrison Smith reminds us why we love football’s little mind games. So, buckle up, Vikings fans—this season is already off to a wild start.
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